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The Best Way to ferment kimchi

Hey there! Making kimchi is actually pretty fun and not as hard as you might think. Here's a simple way to do it:

  1. Start with fresh Napa cabbage, cut it into 2-inch pieces, and soak it in salty water for 2 hours.
  2. While waiting, mix together:
    • Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
    • Minced garlic
    • Grated ginger
    • Fish sauce
    • Chopped green onions
    • Grated carrots
  3. Drain and rinse your cabbage, then mix it with your spice paste until everything's well coated.
  4. Pack it all into a clean jar, leaving some space at the top because it'll bubble up!
  5. Let it sit at room temperature (around 70°F) for 2-5 days. You'll see bubbles forming - that's good!
  6. Taste it daily. When it's tangy enough for you, pop it in the fridge.

Pro tip: Press the kimchi down each day to keep it submerged in its juice. This helps it ferment better!

How do you know it's ready?

  • You'll see bubbles
  • It'll smell sour (in a good way!)
  • The cabbage will be softer
  • It'll taste tangy

Sources:
Maangchi's Easy Kimchi Recipe
Korean Bapsang Traditional Method

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